Closing Element and Container Provided with Such a Closing Element

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a closing element ( 6 ) for a container, wherein the container comprises an end surface provided with a drinking or pouring opening, the closing element comprising: —a first element part ( 10 ) which is adapted to be fixedly mounted on the end surface along said drinking or pouring opening and which has an opening substantially corresponding to the drinking or pouring opening in the end surface; —a second element part ( 11 ) arranged with a first hinge ( 13 ) on the first element part, wherein the second element part is provided with a flexible closing part, wherein the second element part is pivotable between a closed position; —a third element part ( 12 ) arranged with a second hinge ( 14 ) on the second element part, wherein the third element part is embodied to be grasped.

The present invention relates to a closing element for a container,particularly a beverage container, wherein the container comprises anend surface provided with a drinking or pouring opening. The inventionalso relates to a container into which such a closing element isintegrated.

Numerous different types of container are known for storage of liquidsubstances, in particular optionally carbonated beverages or solidsubstances, including particles which can be sprinkled or poured. Acommonly used type of container is a beverage can. Cans aresubstantially cylindrical containers of metal (particularly tin),wherein a metal press-in tab is mounted in one of the end walls of thecontainer. The press-in tab can be arranged in rotatable manner on theend wall and is pivotable relative to the end wall such that a lowerouter end of the press-in tab can press against a part of the end wall.This part is partially surrounded by a weakened tear line so thatpressing down by means of the pressed-in outer end of the tab enablesthe associated part of the end wall to be partially torn away from therest of the end wall and bent downward. This creates a drinking orpouring opening in the end wall along which the content of the can canbe discharged.

Such a closure of a can is generally known and is used in practicallyall beverage cans. A drawback of the known closure is that once thepress-in tab has opened the pouring or drinking opening, this openingcan no longer be closed. Once a can has been opened it must thus ingeneral be wholly emptied, and safe storage of the content of an alreadyopened can is not readily possible in practice. In order to obviate thisdrawback constructions have been proposed in which the closing elementis embodied such that it can reclose the drinking or pouring opening.Embodiments are for instance known in which an opening is created in theend wall of the beverage container using the above mentioned press-intab, after which this opening can be reclosed by placing therein aseparate sealing element, for instance a cap manufactured from flexibleplastic. This cap can be pressed into and pulled out of the openingagain in simple manner. In this way the container can be temporarilyreclosed after having been opened. Such separate closures have thedrawback however that the closure is not always very effective, andleakage may therefore occur. The closures are moreover often onlysuitable for closing the beverage container if the beverage container isnot shaken too much. If the beverage container is shaken, for instanceduring transport (for instance distribution) of the beverage, it ispossible, in the case of a carbonated beverage, for such a pressurebuild-up to occur in the beverage container that said separate closuretends to start leaking. A further drawback of the separate closure isthat it must be supplied as a separate element along with the beveragecontainer, for instance by temporarily adhering it to the upper side ofthe beverage container.

A further drawback of the known closure, optionally in combination withthe separate closing element as described above, is that drinking usersplace their mouth on a part of the beverage container which has beenexposed prior to consumption, i.e. during manufacture, transport andstorage phases, to ambient influences. The relevant portion (around thedrinking opening) thus tends to become dirty, which is often perceivedas unhygienic, at least by the users. In some countries it is thereforeeven mandatory to provide such a beverage container with a plastic orpaper protective cap covering for instance the whole end surface of thebeverage container. This cap then has to be removed before use, onlyafter which the press-in tab can create the pouring or drinking openingin the end wall.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved closingelement for such a beverage container, wherein at least one of the abovestated drawbacks and other drawbacks of the prior art are obviated.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a container withintegrated closing element wherein at least one of the drawbacks of theprior art is obviated.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a closing elementfor a container, particularly a beverage container, is hereby provided,wherein the container comprises an end surface which is provided with adrinking or pouring opening, the closing element comprising:

-   -   a first element part which is adapted to be fixedly mounted on        the end surface along said drinking or pouring opening and which        has an opening substantially corresponding to the drinking or        pouring opening in the end surface;    -   a second element part arranged with a first hinge on the first        element part,    -   a third element part arranged with a second hinge on the second        element part, wherein the third element part is embodied to be        grasped; wherein the second element part or the third element        part is provided with a flexible closing part, wherein the        second or third element part is pivotable between a closed        position, which substantially closes the opening in the first        element part with the closing part, and an opened position which        leaves the opening in the first element part substantially open.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first hinge and secondhinge are situated at opposite outer ends of the second element part.The pivot axes of the hinges moreover preferably extend parallel to eachother. The element parts can be moved relative to each other here as akind of concertina. Owing to the specific arrangement of the hinges usecan be made of a relatively large lever when opening the second elementpart. When a user for instance pulls on the third element part, force isexerted on the second element part via the second hinge. The secondelement part, which is pivotable around the first hinge, can thus beeasily pivoted to the opened position.

The third element part can for instance be pivotable between a startingposition, in which the third element part rests on the second elementpart, and a gripping position in which the third element part extends atan angle relative to the second element part. In the starting positionthe closing element therefore takes up little height, while in thegripping position the third element part can be readily grasped so thatthe second element part can be pulled away from the first element part.

In an embodiment the flexible closing part comprises a peripheral wall,preferably one manufactured from flexible material. The peripheral wallis formed here such that it is overdimensioned to some extent relativeto the opening into which the wall is pushed in order to close theopening. A good, substantially liquid-tight or, in determinedembodiments, even substantially gas-tight seal can hereby be realized.According to a further embodiment, the peripheral wall is furtherprovided with a radially protruding anti-release edge. This anti-releaseedge protrudes so far in radial direction that, when the flexibleclosing part is pushed into the closed position, the anti-release edgeremains adhered to the underside of the first element part. Thisprevents the flexible closing part sliding easily out of the opening inthe first element part. The anti-release edge preferably extends all theway around the peripheral wall so that a good seal can be obtained.

In a further embodiment the flexible closing part comprises one or moreradial protuberances for the purpose of holding the second element partin the closed position. These radial protuberances can be formed on theanti-release edge and/or on other parts of the flexible closing part.The function of the radial protuberances is once again to hold thesecond element part in the closed position. Certainly when the containercomprises carbonated beverage and is subjected to violent movementsduring the transport phase, it may be necessary to provide both theprotuberances and the anti-release edge in order to guarantee a goodseal.

In determined embodiments the protuberance and/or anti-release edge canhave a substantially rounded (under)side and an opposite, substantiallyflat (upper) side. When pressed the rounded form provides some measureof guiding, while the flat side prevents the closing elementunintentionally springing open.

In a determined embodiment one or more strengthening ribs are providedon the inner side of the peripheral wall. The strengthening ribs make itfor instance possible, in the case of a closing element with relativelygreat flexibility (in order to enable a good seal), to neverthelessprovide the required degree of stability.

When the closing element is applied on a container with an upright edge,such as a beverage can, a determined embodiment of the invention canprovide fixing means for releasable fixing of the closing element tosaid upright edge of the container. This means that an opened closingelement can be fixed in the opened position. This is for instanceconvenient when drinking from the beverage container.

In a further embodiment the second element part comprises a notch. Thesecond element part is further embodied such that it can be pivoted inthe opened position such that it clamps fixedly with the notch to theupright edge of the container.

In yet another embodiment the second element part comprises a ventinghole. This hole can be embodied such that no liquid can pass through,while gas (air, carbon dioxide etc.) can do so. This reduces thepressure difference occurring between the interior of the container andoutside it. This can for instance reduce the chance of the contentspraying out through the opening in the container when the closingelement is opened. For the purpose of ensuring that the venting hole isclosed during for instance the transport phase or storage phase (e.g. toprevent loss of too much carbon dioxide), the third element partcomprises a venting hole closing member for closing the venting hole inthe closed situation. When, following transport, the third element partis first pivoted from the starting position to the gripping position,equalization of the pressure difference can already begin to take place.After a time the pressure difference will have decreased sufficiently tomove the second element part from the closed to the opened position.

According to a further embodiment, the closing element comprises asecuring element mounted and/or formed on the first and second elementparts for securing the first and second element parts in the closedposition. This enables the user to see that the container has not beentampered with. The securing element can then be removed or broken (forinstance torn off) to enable opening and closing of the closing elementin the usual manner.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the third elementpart comprises one or more clamping parts which can be arranged fittinginto one or more recesses in the second element part. This makes itpossible to clamp the third element part fixedly to the second elementpart in the closed position. This prevents the third element part takingup an undesired position prior to use.

In a particular embodiment the closing element comprises an edge partprovided on the third element part and formed in order to receive afingertip therein. The closing element can hereby be opened easily withone fingertip.

The closing element is preferably manufactured wholly or partially froma flexible plastic. The material which is used can differ depending onthe content of the can, for food products it could be (preferably“foolproof”) PP or PET. The material can be used in different hardness(Shore), for instance depending on the content of the container (forinstance whether it is carbonated or not, so that pressure build-up doesor does not occur in the container).

In particularly advantageous embodiments the closing element (includingthe hinges) is manufactured integrally, for instance in an injectionmoulding process. The element can be manufactured here from one materialso that the element has the same hardness throughout and the cost priceis moreover generally lower than when materials with two differenthardnesses are used.

In embodiments of the invention the closing element is manufactured byincorporating the end surface of the container in the injection mouldingprocess. Once the closing element has been formed round the end surface,the end surface can be fixed to the walls of the container. In order toenable a simpler manufacturing process for the container and closingelement, in a further embodiment the closing element comprises:

-   -   a first element sub-part provided with one or more first        mounting elements;    -   a second element sub-part provided with one or more second        mounting elements;        wherein the first and second element sub-parts can be coupled to        each other via the mounting elements.

This embodiment enables the closing element to be formed separately of(the end surface of) the container so that the manufacturing process canbe simplified.

It is further often the case (depending for instance on the intendedcontent of the container) that the desired properties of the material ofthe part of the closing element situated in the container differ fromthe desired properties of the part of the closing element situatedoutside the container. In embodiments in which the closing element isformed from one material it is sometimes not possible to satisfy theoften contradictory requirements made of the material properties.According to a further embodiment, the first element sub-part ismanufactured from a different material than the second element sub-part.Each of the element sub-parts can be manufactured here from a materialwith the desired properties. In a further embodiment of the inventionthe second element sub-part is manufactured from the same material asthe second and third element parts, or the second element sub-part, thesecond element part and the third element part are manufacturedintegrally from the same material.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the element sub-partscomprise peripheral edges which are formed, in the coupled situationwherein the element sub-parts extend on either side of the end surfaceof the container, to form a peripheral groove in which the edge aroundthe opening in the end surface is received. The closing element can inthis way be easily mounted on the container, i.e. by coupling the twoelement sub-parts to each other.

There are numerous possible ways of mounting the two element sub-parts.In one of the preferred embodiments of the invention the mountingelements form a bayonet coupling. Once the element sub-parts have beencoupled to each other, it is recommended that uncoupling can no longertake place. In most embodiments it is after all the intention to keepthe closing element permanently mounted on the container. The elementsub-parts, preferably the mounting elements thereof, can for thispurpose comprise locking means for locking the element sub-parts incoupled position. An example of such locking means is described in thefollowing figure description, although it will be perfectly clear to theskilled person that numerous alternative solutions are possible forlocking the closing element.

In an embodiment of the invention the central part of the second elementpart is open. This means that, when the second element part is foldedopen (and so no longer rests on the first element part) and the userwishes to consume the content of the container, the chance is small thatpart of the head of the user, for instance his or her nose, makescontact with the closing element in the second and/or third element partthereof. A further advantage is that the open space in the secondelement part can be used to receive parts of one or both other elementparts therein when the closing element is closed. In a furtherembodiment the second and third element parts therefore have a form suchthat the third element part can be wholly or partially received in thesecond element part. The thickness of the closing element can be reducedby having the third element part received in the second element part.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment the element parts are embodiedsuch that the second and third element parts can extend substantiallyaligned adjacently of each other in the closed situation. This meansthat the overall thickness of the second and third element parts, andthereby of the closing element, can be very small in the closedsituation.

The second element part can for instance be substantially U-shaped. Thehinges with the first element part are then preferably formed on the twoouter ends of the U-shape. Other forms of the second element part are ofcourse also possible. The third element part can preferably be pivotedto a position between the legs of the U-shape in more or less fittingmanner so that a thin and narrow construction can be realized.

According to embodiments of the invention, the closing element comprisesa fixing for releasable fixing of the closing element to an upright edgearound the end surface of the beverage container so that the closingelement remains fixed on the container during drinking. According to adetermined embodiment, the fixing comprises at least one notch providedin the second element part. The second element part is adapted here tobe fixedly clamped with the notch to the upright edge of the containerin the opened position.

In a specific embodiment of the invention the first and/or secondelement can be embodied to pivot the third element part beyond theperipheral edge of the end surface of the beverage container in thefully opened position. In determined embodiments the third element partremains in this position under the influence of the force of gravity, inother embodiments the third element part can be fixed in this positionby means of a fixing part provided on the third element part, forinstance a hook-like member which can be fixed behind the uprightperipheral edge of the container. It is possible in all cases to avoidthe third element part (which also has the flexible closing part whichcan come into contact with the content of the container) coming intocontact with the face of the user during drinking.

In determined embodiments the second element part is embodied such thatthe second element part comprises a protuberance at the position of thenotch. By providing a notch in the first element part the protuberanceof the second element part can be received by the notch in the firstelement part. A better fixation of the two element parts relative toeach other can hereby be realized. This can moreover also ensure thatthe second element part can take a relatively thin form and that theoverall height of the first and second element parts in the closedsituation is extremely small. In the case of a beverage can with uprightperipheral edge all around the end surface the closing elementpreferably does not protrude above the upright peripheral edge. This canbe important in the further processing of the beverage containers.

In embodiments of the invention the first hinge extends on or close to afirst outer end of the second element part and the second hinge on orclose to an opposite, second outer end of the second element part,and/or the first, second and third element parts are coupledconcertina-wise to each other. This can achieve a compact constructionwhich can be pivoted in simple manner between the closed and fullyopened position and which moreover takes up a minimal amount of space inthe fully opened position and therefore does not get in the user's wayduring drinking.

In an embodiment of the invention the flexible closing part ispositioned adjacently of the second hinge of the second element part andthe gripping part on the free outer end of the second closing part. Inthis way the force required to open a closed closing element can beexerted on the closing part in simple manner.

In order to ensure that the user can see whether the beverage containerhas been tampered with, the closing element is preferably provided withone or more seals. In determined embodiments the seal comprises at leastone set of sealing elements which are present on different element partsand which are mutually coupled during manufacture and/or immediatelyafter filling of the container. Such sealing elements can take differentforms. A sealing element can for instance comprise a notch and/or aprotrusion. It is for instance possible to provide both the first andsecond element part with a protrusion, wherein the protrusions areplaced on one another in the closed situation. The protrusions aresealed by attaching the protrusions to each other, preferably by fusingthem at least partially together. When the closing element is opened theprotrusions are torn away from each other, which is immediately visibleto the user. Other embodiments have additionally or alternativelysealing elements which are mutually coupled via a tear line. Otherembodiments are of course also possible. All that is important is that,once a closing element has been opened, this must remain permanentlyvisible.

In an embodiment of the invention a strengthening sleeve is provided.This sleeve is adapted to be placed over the free outer end of the thirdelement part in order to strengthen the gripping part thereof. Thestrengthening sleeve is preferably manufactured from a material which isless elastic than the material of the third element part. In a specificembodiment the strengthening sleeve comprises a receiving space forreceiving therein the free outer end of the third element part. Thestrengthening sleeve is fixed to the third element part by means of afixing part, for instance a protuberance on the third element part whichfits into a corresponding opening in the strengthening sleeve.

The flexible closing part can comprise a peripheral wall which isprovided with one or more strengthening ribs. Pressure chambers whichare open on the underside are defined between the ribs. If the pressurein a closed container increases, for instance under the influence ofcarbon dioxide gases, the construction of the pressure chambers ensuresthat the peripheral wall will begin to expand slightly in radialdirection. This has a positive effect on the sealing quality of theclosing element.

In embodiments of the invention a gasket is provided which is embodiedto be placed on the inner side of the container against the edge of adrinking or pouring opening. When the first element part of the closingelement is now a clamping part, the gasket can be clamped fixedlybetween the end wall of the container and the first element part. Thisresults in a seal between the closing element and the container whichcan be easily realized and is operationally reliable. Formed on thegasket in a further embodiment is a closing flange embodied to be placedon the outer side of the container against the edge of a drinking orpouring opening. The gasket can in this way wholly enclose the edge ofthe drinking opening in the container so that a still further improvedseal can be realized.

According to another aspect of the invention, a container with a closingelement integrated therewith is provided. The closing element can beembodied here to remain permanently mounted on the container from thefactory.

As already described above, the container described herein can assumenumerous forms and dimensions, and the container can particularly bemade suitable for different types of substance (solid/liquid). Thecontainer can comprise a beverage can, oil can and the like.

The invention also relates to the use of the closing element definedherein and/or of the container.

Further advantages, features and details of the present invention willbe elucidated on the basis of the following description of severalembodiments thereof. Reference is made in the description to theaccompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the upper side of a beverage canprovided with an integrated closing element according to a firstembodiment of the invention, in closed situation;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the beverage can provided with the firstembodiment of the closing element, in a first intermediate position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the closingelement in an opened position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the closingelement in an opened and fixed position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a beverage can and a rear side of thefirst embodiment of this closing element in the opened position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective front view of a second embodiment of the closingelement according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the second embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the front side of a third embodiment ofa closing element according to the invention in opened position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the closingelement in closed position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a beverage can with a fourth embodimentof the closing element according to the invention in a firstintermediate position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the inventionin opened position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention inclosed situation;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of

FIG. 12 in an opened situation;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a sixth embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment in a situation inwhich it is mounted on a beverage container;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic side view of the seventh embodiment, in which theposition of the beverage container is shown in broken lines;

FIG. 18 is an exploded side view of an eighth embodiment of theinvention and a part of the upper surface of a beverage container;

FIGS. 19A-E are side views of the eighth embodiment of the invention insuccessive stages of assembly;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a beverage container;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the upper side of a beverage canprovided with an integrated closing element according to a tenthembodiment of the invention in closed situation;

FIG. 23 is a perspective side view of the tenth embodiment of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a further perspective side view of the embodiment of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the tenth embodiment in opened position;

FIG. 26 is a side view of the tenth embodiment in closed position;

FIG. 27 is a side view of the tenth embodiment of the invention in fullyopened position and mounted on a beverage container;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the beverage container provided with aclosing element according to the tenth embodiment in fully openedposition;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the eleventh embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 30 is a side view of the eleventh embodiment in the folded-openposition;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the eleventh embodiment in closed position;

FIG. 32 is a side view in closed position of a twelfth embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the twelfth embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a further perspective view of the twelfth embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 35 is a top view of the twelfth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the thirteenth embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 37 is a side view in closed situation of the fourteenth embodiment,and a container on which the embodiment has to be mounted;

FIG. 38 shows the side view of FIG. 37, wherein the gasket is positionedagainst the edge of the container;

FIG. 39 is a side view according to FIG. 37 in partially openedposition;

FIG. 40 is a side view of the embodiment in opened situation, whereinthe closing element is arranged all around the gasket;

FIGS. 41A-D show respective views showing the steps for mounting theembodiment of the invention on the beverage container;

FIG. 42 is a side view of a fourteenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the fourteenth embodiment;

FIGS. 44A-44D are respective views showing the different steps formounting the fourteenth embodiment on the container;

FIG. 45 is a side view of a fifteenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the fifteenth embodiment; and

FIG. 47 is a further perspective view of the fifteenth embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a closing element 6 accordingto the invention, while FIGS. 3-7 show the combination of a container 1and an embodiment of the closing element according to the inventionintegrated with the container. FIGS. 3-6 show the closing element inrespectively the closed position, a gripping position, an openedposition and a clamped position.

Closing element 6 is mounted in permanent manner on the peripheral edgearound a pouring or drinking opening (O) in upper end surface 3 of can1. In the shown embodiment the opening is provided close to an uprightcollar 4 arranged between said end wall 3 and side wall 2 of can 1. Inother embodiments the opening can of course be provided at a randomother location in end wall 3. Referring to FIG. 5, closing element 6 isconstructed substantially from a first element part 10, a second elementpart 11 and a third element part 12. In determined embodiments the thirdelement part 12 forms a pull-tab, and the terms pull-tab and thirdelement part are mutually interchangeable below.

A hinge 13 is provided between first and second element parts 10, 11 sothat second element part 11 can be pivoted relative to first elementpart 10. A hinge 14 is likewise provided between second element part 11and third element part 12 so that third element part 12 can be pivotedrelative to second element part 11.

First element part 10 takes a substantially flat form and is provided atthe outer end opposite hinge 13 with an opening, and in the shownembodiment the edge 20 of this opening has a shape corresponding to thatof the pouring or drinking opening provided in can 1. Edge 20 comprisesa mounting part 19 with which closing element 6 can be permanently fixedto the beverage container. Mounting 17 comprises a radially protrudingfirst and second flange 15,16 between which a groove 17 is provided.Groove 17 is embodied for receiving therein the edge of the pouring ordrinking opening in the beverage container so that the first closingelement part 10 can be firmly attached to beverage container 1.

Second element part 11 is provided at the outer end opposite hinge 13with a downward extending closing part 22. The outer periphery of thedownward extending closing part substantially corresponds to the innerperiphery of edge 20 of first element part 10. Closing part 22 ismanufactured from flexible material so that when it is arranged in theopening of first element part 10 it lies under tension against edge 20thereof for substantially liquid-tight closing of the opening. In orderto ensure that closing part 22 remains in place in the closed position(as shown for instance in FIG. 3) a radial flange is provided on theunderside of closing part 22. The radial flange forms an anti-releaseedge 23 which, in a fully inserted position of closing part 22, extendsjust below the underside of mounting 19 so that the anti-release edge(flange) 23 holds closing part 22 in place in the closed situation.

In order to enable the downward extending closing part 22 to display thedesired closing behaviour in the radial direction, closing part 22 isembodied as a substantially peripheral wall. Several strengthening ribs26 are provided in the centre of the wall. These strengthening ribs arepreferably made from the same material as closing part 22, but can bemanufactured from a different material in other embodiments. Thestrengthening ribs can for instance be embodied in a harder plastic.Formed between the ribs are chambers in which a pressure build-up canoccur (for instance carbon dioxide present in the empty part of thecontainer). The pressure build-up in the chambers ensures that theperipheral wall of the closing part is pushed radially outward, whichensures that the closing element clamps more firmly against the outeredge. This enhances the closure of the closing element. Another functionof the strengthening ribs can be that they prevent excessivedeformation, for instance in the case of relatively soft materialsand/or for instance in the case of larger surface areas (in the case ofcontainers with a relatively large volume).

As shown in among others FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the second closing element 11is provided with a curved groove 35 on the side opposite closing part22. The groove makes it possible to fix the closing element, moreparticularly the third element part, to the container, as will bedescribed hereinbelow.

As stated above, third element part 12 is pivotally mounted on secondelement part 11. In the shown embodiment a number of ribs 36 arearranged on the outer end opposite hinge 14 between the first and secondelement parts 11, 12 and on the upper side thereof in order to increasethe grip on this outer end of third closing part 12. A number of ridges38 are further also arranged on the underside of the third element part.A number of similar recesses 37 are present at corresponding positionsin second closing part 11 in order to clamp third element part 12 tosecond element part 11 in the closed situation. This reduces the chanceof undesired release of third element part 12 from second element part11, for instance during transport of the beverage container.

FIGS. 3 to 7 show closing element 6 in mounted situation. FIG. 3 showsthe closed position, in which the closing element parts 10, 11, 12 areplaced one above another and close the pouring or drinking opening inbeverage container 1. In the closed situation the overall height ofclosing element 6 is only a few millimetres, and preferably a heightsuch that the upper side of third element part 12 does not protrudeabove edge 5 of upright collar 4 of beverage container 10. In otherembodiments closing element 6 does protrude above said edge, but onlyover a small height such that it can be accommodated by an edge of acorresponding collar provided on the underside of beverage can 1.Beverage containers 1 are therefore easy to stack in both embodiments.

In order to open closing element 6 a user grips the third element part12, preferably at the outer end where the above stated ridges 36 areprovided, and pivots the first element part 12 open via hinge 14(direction P₁, FIG. 3) to the first intermediate position shown in FIG.4, also referred to as the gripping position. From this firstintermediate position the user can then pull the second element part 11away from the first element part 10 by continuing to pull on the thirdelement part 12 until second element part 11 is pivoted upward(direction P₂, FIG. 4) to the opened position shown in FIG. 5. So muchforce must be exerted here that the friction resulting from the presenceof the above-mentioned radial edge 23 can be overcome.

In the opened position shown in FIG. 5 the user can remove the contentfrom beverage container 1. Because in the shown embodiment the secondelement part 11 completely covers the first element part 10 in theclosed position, the upper side of first element part 10 is notcontaminated in the opened position shown in FIG. 5, and the user canplace his/her mouth on the closing element in hygienically safe manner.

In order to increase convenience of use during pouring or drinking ofthe content from the beverage container by the user, second element part11 can be fixed using the above-mentioned curved groove 35 to upper edge5 of collar 4 of beverage container 1. FIG. 6 shows a situation in whichclosing element 6 is opened and is fixed in the opened position in thatsecond element part 11 is attached releasably to the beverage container.

When use is made of flexible material to embody the second element part11 it may be sufficient for the purpose of attaching the second elementpart to the beverage container to arrange a narrow groove 35 in theupper surface thereof. In the first embodiment of the invention shown infor instance FIG. 4 a number of fixation protrusions 40 are howeverarranged in groove 35 with which the closing element can be clamped evenmore effectively to upper edge 5 of the beverage container.

A hole 38 is preferably provided in the second closing part 11.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a second embodiment of the invention. The secondembodiment is identical to the first embodiment with the exception of anumber of aspects to be discussed hereinbelow. The first aspect relatesto an extension of a third element part 12 with a tongue 31. This makesit easier for a user to grip second element part 12. A further differingaspect relates to the radial anti-release edge 23. In the shown secondembodiment this edge 23 is provided with a number of protuberances 24arranged over the periphery of the edge. These protuberances 24 extendin radial direction and are slightly rounded on the underside, and takea flat form (in radial direction) on the upper side. Due to the slightlyround underside the protuberances 24 can be pushed easily into theopening of closing element 6. Once the second element part 11 has beenpivoted fully into the closed position, the flat upper side ofprotuberances 24, in co-action with anti-release edge 23, ensures thatelement 22 is secured in said opening. Particularly when a relativelyhigh pressure prevails inside the beverage container, for instance as aresult of carbon dioxide gas pressure, protuberances 24 provide for animproved fixing of the second element part 11 on the first element part.

Another different aspect relates to the securing means with which thesecond embodiment of the closing element is provided in order to lock orsecure the beverage container in the factory. In the shown embodimentthe securing means comprise two upright protrusions 42 and 43 which arepushed into corresponding openings 44 and 45 respectively duringmanufacture in the factory. Protrusions 42, 43 are for instance fused bymeans of heat with the material of second element part 11. Further shownis that protrusions 42, 43 have respective narrowed portions 46, 47close to their connection to first element part 10. This narrowedportion provides a breaking point for the (plastic) protrusion 42, 43.When protrusions 42, 43 are broken off at the position of said narrowedportions upon initial use, the user can easily visually determine thatthe closing element has already been opened in unauthorized manner.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a third embodiment of the invention. This thirdembodiment is wholly similar to the first embodiment of the invention,with the proviso that, instead of the above-mentioned tongue 31according to the second embodiment for the purpose of improving thegripping options for the user, a protuberance 40 is arranged on theupper side of closing element 12 for the same purpose. This protuberance40 is formed such that the end of a finger, for instance the indexfinger, can be placed herein in stable manner so that grip on the thirdelement part 12 can be improved.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a fourth embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment a minuscule hole 50 is arranged in second element part 11.The hole is so small that, while no liquid can escape therethrough, aircan do so. Hole 50 is positioned at the location of the above-mentionedopening in first element part 10 so that air can escape from thebeverage container in the position shown in FIG. 12. When third elementpart 13 is however pivoted to a position on top of second element part12, a plastic pin 51 provided on the underside of third element part 13will seal said hole 50. In this closed situation neither liquid nor aircan escape from the beverage container.

When opening the closing element 10 the user first pulls the thirdelement part 12 away from the second element part 11, wherein said pin51 is then pulled out of hole 50. This makes it possible for any carbondioxide gas in the beverage container to escape so that the can can befurther opened with a reduced chance of the liquid being able to escapefrom the beverage container due to carbon dioxide gas pressure.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a sixth embodiment of the invention. The sixthembodiment is largely identical to the second embodiment, with theexception of a number of aspects to be discussed hereinbelow. In thefollowing description the same reference numerals will be used as far aspossible for identical components.

FIG. 14 shows a closing element 53 substantially constructed from afirst element part 54, a second element part 11 and a third element part12. Third element part 12 forms in the above described manner a pull-tabto enable the closing element to be pulled open. A hinge 13 is providedbetween the first and second element parts 54, 11 so that second elementpart 11 can be pivoted relative to first element part 54. A hinge 14 islikewise provided between second element part 11 and third element part12 so that third element part 12 can be pivoted relative to secondelement part 11.

In the shown embodiment the first element part 54 is divided into twoelement sub-parts, i.e. an upper element sub-part 55 and a lower elementsub-part 60. Both element sub-parts 55, 60 are in principle separate ofeach other but can be attached to each other in the manner to bedescribed below.

The upper element sub-part 55 has a substantially annular element 56.Two bayonets parts 57 are provided on the radial inner side of theannular element. The lower element sub-part 60 comprises an annularupright (axial) edge 62 and an annular (radial) edge 61 formed thereon.

FIG. 14 shows the situation before closing element 53 is mounted on awall of a beverage container 2, while FIG. 15 shows the situation inwhich the closing element is coupled to end wall 3 of beverage container2. In the coupled situation shown in FIG. 15 the element sub-parts 55,60 are attached to each other so that the edge of wall 3 is positionedin channel 75 between the annular element 56 of the upper elementsub-part 55 and the annular edge 61 of the lower element sub-part 60.This holds closing element 53 in place.

According to the shown embodiment use can be made of a bayonet couplingto couple the upper and lower element sub-parts to each other. As statedabove, the upper element sub-part 55 is provided for this purpose withbayonets parts 57 extending radially inward. Upright edge 62 of thelower element sub-part 60 is similarly provided with radial notches 64.Each of the notches 64 comprises an insert part 65 along which bayonetparts 57 can be pushed into the notches and a coupling part 66 intowhich bayonet parts 57 can slide by rotating the lower and upper elementsub-parts relative to each other. Notch 64, and more particularlycoupling part 66 thereof, has a conical portion. This means that edge 69is thinner at the outer end of coupling part 66 than at the position ofthe start 68 of the coupling part. This results in the upper and lowerelement sub-parts being pressed extra firmly against each other. Thismakes the closing element better able to withstand the pressures whichmay occur in the beverage container.

In order to prevent the upper and lower sub-element parts detaching fromeach other once they have been coupled, for instance during thetransport phase of the beverage container or as a result of improper useof the closing element, the shown embodiment provides a securing orlocking for the purpose of locking the closing element in the coupledposition shown in FIG. 15. The locking comprises two axial resilientprotrusions 70, one protrusion on each bayonet part 57. When thesub-element parts have been screwed onto each other, these protrusions70 come to rest in corresponding openings 71 provided at the end ofcoupling parts 66 of notch 64. This prevents the element sub-parts beingremoved from each other again.

It is also simple to embody the lower element sub-part 60 in a material(more particularly a material with different material properties) otherthan that of the upper element sub-part 55. Because the two sub-partsare formed separately of each other, the lower sub-element part 60 canfor instance be embodied with a hardness (usually a greater hardness,for instance to prevent the closing element being pulled in its entiretyout of the opening in the beverage container) other than that of theupper sub-element part 55. The upper sub-element part 55 is preferablyformed integrally with the other element parts 11 and 12, and elementparts 11, 12, 55 are therefore then manufactured from the same material.This material generally has an optimal hardness which is lower than thehardness of the lower sub-element part. A correct choice of the twohardnesses can ensure that the pressure tightness (as a result of carbondioxide gas) is enhanced.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a further embodiment of a closing element 80according to the invention. Closing element 80 corresponds to the abovedescribed embodiments, with the exception of the aspect described below.The closing element comprises a first element part 90, a second elementpart 91 and a third element part 93, wherein the element parts areconnected to each other via hinges in the above described manner. Edge81 of first element part 90 corresponds to for instance theabove-mentioned edge 20 of first element part 10. A first connectingpart 82 is however provided on the underside of edge 81. This connectingpart 82 comprises a substantially cylindrical wall which is provided onthe outward facing peripheral surface with screw thread 83.

Further provided is a ring 84. The ring is formed such that it can bepushed over the connecting part. Ring 84 is manufactured from relativelyflexible material (material with a relatively low hardness) and isadapted to realize an improved seal between the closing element and thebeverage container.

A second connecting part 85 can be attached to the first connecting part82. The second connecting part is substantially annular and comprisesscrew thread 86 which provided on the inner peripheral surface and withwhich the second connecting part 85 can be screwed fixedly to the firstconnecting part 82. A peripheral groove 87 is provided on the upper sideof the second connecting part 85 between two upright edges 86 and 88.This peripheral groove is formed such that the above stated ring 84 canbe arranged at least partially therein. In the assembled situation ring84 is enclosed between the underside of the end surface of the beveragecontainer and the second closing part 85, and ring 84 (which ismanufactured from relatively soft material compared to the material ofconnecting parts 82,85) provides for an excellent seal between thebeverage container and closing element 80.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show a further embodiment of the invention. Thisembodiment corresponds in broad outline to the above describedembodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17, with the proviso that an additionalclosing ring is arranged. FIG. 18 shows a closing element 94 whichcomprises in known manner a first element part, a second element partand a third element part, wherein the element parts are connected toeach other via hinges. First element part 95 is provided with a firstconnecting part 96 which is provided on the outer side with externalscrew thread. The first element part further comprises a secondconnecting part 99 which is provided on the upper side in the abovedescribed manner with a peripheral groove 100 in which a sealing ring 98can be accommodated. Second closing part 99 is provided with internalscrew thread 101 with which the second connecting part 99 can be screwedfixedly to first connecting part 96. An additional ring 102 is providedas addition to the seventh embodiment described above. This ring 102comprises a lying part 103 and an upright part 104. A round opening isarranged in lying part 103, this such that ring 102 can be pushed overconnecting part 96 of the first element part.

The above-mentioned first ring 98 and second ring 102 are manufacturedfrom relatively soft material (more particularly plastic with a lowShore value). This means that the material has a lower hardness than thematerial of the remaining part of closing element 94. The two rings 98,102 have the important function of providing a good seal between theinterior of the beverage container and the outside world.

FIG. 19 shows several stages of the mounting of the closing element onthe beverage container. FIG. 19A shows end edge 97 of a beveragecontainer on which the above stated second ring 102 is placed, this suchthat the opening in ring 102 corresponds to the pouring opening of thebeverage container. FIG. 19B shows that the first connecting part 96 ofthe first element part 95 of the closing element is placed via theopening in second ring 102 and end wall 97 of the beverage container.FIG. 19C shows that first ring 98 is placed on the underside of end edge97 of the beverage container. This figure and the subsequent figure(FIG. 19D) also show how the second connecting part 99 can be screwedfixedly to the first connecting part 96, wherein first ring 98 isclamped between end edge 97 and second connecting part 99 (FIG. 19D). Agood seal can in this way be realized between the closing element andthe end wall. FIG. 19E then shows how a closing part 103 of secondelement part 91 is pushed into the opening and fixed there in the abovedescribed manner by having pushed anti-release edge 104 over lower edge105 of the first connecting part. In the position shown in FIG. 19E thepouring opening of the beverage container is thus fully closed.

FIG. 20 shows the ninth embodiment of the present invention. This ninthembodiment is almost wholly similar to the above-mentioned embodiments,with the proviso that a specially embodied hinge connection is providedbetween first element part 106 and second element part 107. Hinges 108and 109 are arranged between element parts 106 and 107. These hingesextend at some distance relative to each other and take a slightlyoblique form relative to the upper surface of the two element parts 106,107. The slightly oblique placing of hinges 108, 109 ensures that theelement part tends to remain in the folded-open position (as shown inFIG. 20) when the second element part 107 is opened. This has afavourable effect on the drinking or pouring properties of the whole,since the second element part 107 (as well as the third element part 108provided thereon) of the closing element remains in the opened positionand will thus not get in the way during drinking even when the beveragecontainer is held at an angle.

FIG. 21 shows a particular embodiment of the beverage container itself.The figure shows a beverage container 108 which is formed in knownmanner with an upright edge 109 and an end surface 110. A pouringopening 111 is provided in end surface 110. This end wall 110 is usuallymanufactured from metal. A flange 112 is situated on the inner side ofend wall 110 at the position of pouring opening 111. In the case of ametal end wall this flange 112 can for instance be manufactured by meansof a punching operation. Other ways of forming the flange on the endwall are of course also possible. Flange 112 serves to increase thethickness of the end wall locally so that the plastic closing element asdescribed herein can be better mounted on the beverage container.

The plastic closing element can be clamped over said flange 112 andfixed thereto. As a result of a correct dimensioning of the closingelement and a correct degree of flexibility thereof, it is onlynecessary in determined embodiments to slide the closing element intothe pouring opening for sufficiently firm mounting of the closingelement on the beverage container. In other embodiments an adhesivematerial, for instance a “foodproof” adhesive, can additionally furtherbe arranged between the closing element and flange 112. A furtheradvantage of flange 112 is that it can have a positive effect on thestrength of the closing element because the collar of the closingelement acquires more support surface.

FIGS. 22-26 show a tenth embodiment of a closing element according tothe invention, while FIGS. 27 and 28 show a beverage container on whichthe tenth embodiment of the invention is arranged. The closing elementis mounted in optionally permanent manner on the peripheral edge allaround a pouring or drinking opening (O) in upper end surface 203 of acontainer in the form of a can 1. In the shown embodiment the opening isprovided close to an upright collar 204 arranged between said end wall203 and side wall 202 of can 201. In other embodiments the opening canof course be provided at a random other location in end wall 203.

Referring to FIGS. 22-26, closing element 206 is constructedsubstantially from a first element part 210, a second element part 211and a third element part 212. In determined embodiments the thirdelement part 212 forms a pull-tab and the terms pull-tab and thirdelement part are mutually interchangeable below.

A hinge 213 is provided between the first and second element part 210,211 so that second element part 211 can be pivoted relative to firstelement part 210. A hinge 214 is likewise provided between secondelement part 211 and third element part 212 so that third element part212 can be pivoted relative to second element part 211.

First element part 210 takes a substantially flat form and is providedat the outer end opposite hinge 213 with an opening 220, and in theshown embodiment the edge of this opening has a shape corresponding tothat of the pouring or drinking opening provided in can 201. The edgecomprises amounting part 219 with which closing element 206 can bemounted on the beverage container. Mounting 219 comprises at least aflat part 262, a radially protruding lower rib or edge 264 and a groove263 provided therebetween. Groove 263 is embodied to receive therein theedge of the pouring or drinking opening in the beverage container sothat the first closing element part 210 can be firmly attached tobeverage container 201.

Third element part 212 is provided at the outer end opposite hinge 214with a downward extending closing part 222. The outer periphery of thedownward extending closing part substantially corresponds to the innerperiphery of opening 220 of first element part 210. Closing part 222 ismanufactured from flexible material so that, when it is arranged in theopening of first element part 210, it lies under tension against edge220 thereof for substantially liquid-tight closing of the opening. Inorder to ensure that closing part 222 remains in place in the closedposition (as shown for instance in FIG. 26) a radial flange is providedon the underside of closing part 222. The radial flange forms ananti-release edge or rib 223 which, in a fully inserted position ofclosing part 222, extends just below the underside of mounting 219 sothat anti-release edge (flange) 223 holds closing part 222 in place inthe closed situation.

In order to enable the downward extending closing part 222 to displaythe desired closing behaviour in the radial direction, closing part 222is embodied as a substantially peripheral wall. Several strengtheningribs 226 are provided in the centre of the wall. These strengtheningribs are preferably of the same material as closing part 222 but can bemanufactured from a different material in other embodiments. Thestrengthening ribs can for instance be embodied in a harder plastic.Formed between the ribs are 50 chambers in which pressure build-up canoccur (for instance carbon dioxide present in the empty part of thecontainer). The pressure build-up in the chambers ensures that theperipheral wall of the closing part is pushed radially outward, whichensures that the closing element clamps more firmly against the outeredge. This enhances the closure of the closing element. Another functionof the strengthening ribs can be that they prevent excessivedeformation, for instance in the case of relatively soft materialsand/or for instance in the case of larger surface areas (in the case ofcontainers with a relatively large volume).

As mentioned above, third element part 212 is pivotally mounted onsecond element part 211. A grip in the form of a number of ridges 238 isarranged on the underside and upper side of the free outer end of thethird element part so that the pull-tab can be firmly grasped by theuser.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show closing element 206 in the mounted situation. Thefigures show the closing element in the opened position. Referring toFIG. 5, element parts 210, 211, 212 are placed one above another in theclosed position in order to close the pouring or drinking opening inbeverage container 201. In order to open closing element 206 a usergrips the third element part 212, for instance at the outer end wherethe above-mentioned ridges 236 are provided, and pivots third elementpart 212 open via hinge 214 to the opened position shown in FIG. 2. Somuch force must be exerted here that the friction resulting from thepresence of the above-mentioned radial edge 222 can be overcome. Fromthis opened position the user can then pivot the second and thirdelement parts further to the fully opened position shown in FIGS. 6 and7. In the fully opened position the user can remove the content frombeverage container 201.

In the closed situation (as shown in FIG. 26) the overall height ofclosing element 206 is only a few millimetres, and preferably a heightsuch that the upper side of third element part 212 does not protrudeabove edge 205 of upright collar 204 of beverage container 210. In otherembodiments closing element 206 does extend above said edge, but onlyover a small height such that this can be accommodated by an edge of acorresponding flange provided on the underside of beverage container201. Beverage containers 201 are therefore easy to stack in bothembodiments

As shown for instance in FIG. 24, second element part 211 issubstantially U-shaped. The legs of the U are attached with hinges 207to the first element part, while the arc of the U is attached to thirdelement part 213 using a hinge. Because the central part of the secondelement part is open, there is space to wholly or partly receive thethird element part therein. In the shown embodiment the shape of thethird element part is adapted to the U-shape of the second element part.In the closed situation the third element part can therefore be receivedin more or less fitting manner in the second element part. FIG. 5 showsthat it is even possible to align the respective upper surfaces of thesecond and third element parts relative to each other. This means thatthe closing element takes up very little height in the closed position.

In the fully opened situation shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 the user canremove the content from the beverage container. In order to ensure thatthe face of the user does not touch the second and third element partswhen drinking from the drinking opening, it is advisable to fix them inthe position shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. In order to fix the secondelement part 211 relative to the beverage container the second elementpart, as shown in FIGS. 23-28, is provided with a number of curvedgrooves or notches 235. These grooves are at a position and take acurved form such that, when the second element part is pivoted open, thegrooves come to lie on upper side 205 of upright collar 204 of thebeverage container. Owing to the shape and dimensions and as a result ofthe flexible properties of the material of the element part, the secondelement part can then be clamped releasably to beverage container 201.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 27 the third element part 212 hangsdownward and will be substantially forced to remain in this positionbecause the second element part is clamped fixedly to beverage container201. When the container is tilted, for instance during drinking, thesecond and third element parts will therefore also remain in theposition shown in FIG. 27, whereby the user can drink freely withoutrunning the risk of the closing element folding shut again.

The notches or grooves 235 in second element part 212 are arranged in apiece of material which is so thin that a protuberance 270 (FIG. 23) isformed on the side opposite the notch. This protuberance could ensurethat second element part 212 could no longer be placed flat on firstelement part 211, which would result in the overall thickness (height)of the closing element being increased in the closed situation.

FIG. 23 however shows that curved grooves or recesses 272 are alsoarranged in first element part 211. The shape, dimensions and positionof these recesses correspond to those of protuberances 270 of secondelement part 212, so that protuberances 270 can be wholly or partiallyreceived in recesses 272.

Determined embodiments of the invention are further provided with one ormore sets of sealing elements for sealing the closing element, and as aresult also the container, prior to use. FIG. 23 shows that twoprotrusions 274, 274′ are provided on the peripheral edge of firstelement part 211 and two protrusions 275, 275′ on second element part212. After the closing element has been mounted on the container, theprotrusions can be attached to each other, for instance by adhesivessuch as glue suitable for this purpose or by heating the protrusions andat least partially fusing them together. In this way the first andsecond element parts are then sealed relative to each other. When theclosing element is opened the seal is broken, which can be clearly andeasily ascertained by the user.

A similar seal is achieved by the anti-tamper notches 276, 276′ and 277,277′ in respectively the first and second element parts 211, 212. Theremaining material of the first and second element parts is mutuallyadhered or fused together to some extent so that the element parts arelocally sealed. For sealing of the second and third element parts usecan be made of a tongue 278 which is attached to both the second elementpart and the third element part. The tongue is provided with a tearline, for instance in the form of an elongate local weakening (forinstance as a result of the presence of a row of perforations). As longas the tear line is still intact the user knows that the second andthird element parts have never been opened relative to each other.

FIGS. 29-31 show a further embodiment of the invention. This embodimentsubstantially corresponds to the above described embodiment, with theexception of the aspect to be described below of a hook-like fixingelement 251 provided on the underside of the flexible closing part. Inthe shown embodiment the hook-like element 251 is mounted on one of theribs 250. In the other embodiment the hook-like fixing element 251 canbe provided at another position. What is important is that, when theelement parts are moved into the opened position, hook-like element 251can be placed behind the upright edge or collar of the beveragecontainer so that third element part 213 remains fixed in the fullyopened position. Hook-like element 251 can be provided as alternative tothe above-mentioned notches 235, or in addition thereto.

FIGS. 32 to 35 show a further embodiment of the invention. Saidembodiment corresponds to any of the above-mentioned embodiments, withthe exception of the aspect of the separate strengthening sleeve to bedescribed below. Strengthening sleeve 254 is constructed from anelongate, flat component 255 which has a little or no flexibility, and asupport 256 which is provided at an outer end thereof and in which areceiving space 257 is provided. Strengthening sleeve 254 can be pushedover the free outer end of pull-tab 212, for instance when the pull-tabis manufactured from a material with insufficient stiffness. Thestrengthening sleeve increases the stiffness of pull-tab 212, which canfacilitate opening and closing of the closing element, certainly whenthe whole closing element is manufactured from a relatively flexibleplastic. It is of course also possible to manufacture the closingelement from two or more different materials with different hardnesses,for instance in a so-called 2K injection moulding process.

For the purpose of attaching strengthening sleeve 254 to pull-tab 212the outer end of pull-tab 212 is provided with an oblique protrusion 258and the strengthening sleeve is provided with an opening 259corresponding therewith. The oblique protrusion 258 is embodied suchthat the strengthening sleeve can slide easily over the pull-tab. Oncethe protrusion has come to lie in said opening 259, the strengtheningsleeve remains fixed to pull-tab 212. The strengthening sleeve isfurther provided with ridges 239 on the upper side and underside andprotrusions 240 on the end surface in order to enhance grip when graspedby the user.

FIGS. 36-44 show a further embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment the closing element can be mounted in alternative manner onthe container. Use is made of a gasket 260. This gasket is arranged inthe container first, only after which the closing element is mounted onthe end surface of the beverage container. In the embodiment shown inthe figure, gasket 260 substantially takes the form of a flat ring whichis provided on the inner side with an upright closing flange 261.Referring to FIG. 41A, gasket ring 260 is placed against peripheral edge265 of the end surface of the container defining the drinking opening(O), this such that upright flange 261 closes the lateral side and theunderside of peripheral edge 265 as shown in FIG. 41B. The closingelement is then arranged around annular gasket 260 (FIG. 41C).

Referring to FIG. 39, the lower element 211 of the closing elementcomprises a flat element part 262, a notch 263 provided thereunder, anda rib 264. When the closing element is now pressed into the drinkingopening, rib 264 and the flat element part will clamp the gasket firmlyall around the edge 265 of the drinking opening, herein automaticallyenclosing gasket 260 therein. This situation is for instance shown inFIG. 41C. A very good seal can in this way be provided between theclosing element and the beverage container. When the flexible closingpart of third element part 213 is now pushed into the opening (as shownin FIG. 41D), the cap of the flexible closing part can be fixed behindthe lower element 264 so that the beverage container is (and remains)closed liquid-tightly.

FIGS. 42-44 show a further embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment gasket 266 substantially takes the form of a flat ring whichis provided on the inner side with an upright closing flange 267.Closing flange 267 is moreover provided with an additional lateralclosing flange 268. This closing flange 268 provides for a furtherimproved seal, since the edge 265 around the drinking opening is nowsealed by the gasket on the underside, lateral side as well as the upperside (FIGS. 44A and 44B). In similar manner as described above, theclosing element can then be pushed over the gasket to the position asshown in FIG. 44C.

FIGS. 45-47 shows a further embodiment of the invention. This embodimentcorresponds to the above stated embodiment, with the exception of theaspect to be discussed below of the additional securing of the closingelement to the container. As shown in FIG. 45, first element part 211,more particularly part 264 thereof, is provided with a protrusion 269which can function for additional securing of the closing element. Inthe shown embodiment the protrusion is attached to the anti-release edgeof the closing element which can be positioned in the opening of thecontainer. This securing ensures that, when the closing cap is pulledaway, the first element part always remains in place and can thereforenot be undesirably detached from the container.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment thereof describedherein. The rights sought are rather defined by the following claims,within the scope of which many modifications and adjustments and changescan be envisaged.

1. Closing element for a container, particularly a beverage container,wherein the container comprises an end surface provided with a drinkingor pouring opening, the closing element comprising: a first element partwhich is adapted to be fixedly mounted on the end surface along saiddrinking or pouring opening and which has an opening substantiallycorresponding to the drinking or pouring opening in the end surface; asecond element part arranged with a first hinge on the first elementpart; and a third element part arranged with a second hinge on thesecond element part, wherein the third element part is embodied to begrasped; wherein the second element part or the third element part isprovided with a flexible closing part, wherein the second or thirdelement part is pivotable between a closed position, which substantiallycloses the opening in the first element part with the closing part, andan opened position which leaves the opening in the first element partsubstantially open.
 2. Closing element as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe flexible closing part comprises a peripheral wall, and theperipheral wall is provided with a radially protruding anti-release edgefor releasable attachment of the associated element part to the firstelement part.
 3. Closing element as claimed in claim 1, wherein theanti-release edge extends all the way around the peripheral wall. 4.Closing element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible closing partcomprises one or more radial protuberances for the purpose of holdingthe second element part in the closed position.
 5. Closing element asclaimed in claim 1, wherein a protuberance and/or anti-release edge hasa substantially rounded side and an opposite, substantially flat side.6. Closing element as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or morestrengthening ribs are provided on the inner side of the peripheral walland/or wherein the flexible closing part comprises one or more openpressure chambers for allowing the peripheral wall to expand in radialdirection when pressure increases.
 7. Closing element as claimed inclaim 6, comprising two or more strengthening ribs extendingsubstantially parallel relative to each other.
 8. Closing element asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the container has an upright edge andwherein the closing element comprises fixing means for releasable fixingof the closing element to said upright edge of the container and/orwherein the second element part comprises a notch and wherein the secondelement part is adapted in the opened position to clamp fixedly with thenotch to the upright edge of the container.
 9. Closing element asclaimed in claim 1, manufactured from a flexible plastic, in particularmanufactured integrally, and more particularly manufactured in aninjection moulding process.
 10. Closing element as claimed in claim 1,wherein the first element part comprises: a first element sub-partprovided with one or more first mounting elements; a second elementsub-part provided with one or more second mounting elements; and whereinthe first and second element sub-parts can be coupled to each other viathe mounting elements, wherein the element sub-parts preferably compriseperipheral edges which are formed, in the coupled situation wherein theelement sub-parts extend on either side of the end surface of thecontainer, to form a peripheral groove in which the edge around theopening in the end surface is received.
 11. Closing element as claimedin claim 10, wherein element sub-parts, preferably the mounting elementsthereof, comprise locking means for locking the element sub-parts incoupled position, wherein in the coupled position the first elementsub-part extends preferably in the container and the second elementsub-part extends outside the container.
 12. Closing element as claimedin claim 10, wherein the first element sub-part is manufactured from adifferent material than the second element sub-part, wherein the secondelement sub-part is preferably manufactured from the same material asthe second and third element parts.
 13. Closing element as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the central part of the second element part is open.14. Closing element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second and thirdelement parts have a form such that the third element part can bereceived in the second element part.
 15. Closing element as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the element parts are embodied so that the second andthird element parts extend substantially aligned adjacently of eachother in the closed situation.
 16. Closing element as claimed in claim1, wherein the second element part is substantially U-shaped, whereinhinges are preferably formed on the two outer ends of the U-shape. 17.Closing element as claimed in claim 16, wherein the third element partcan be pivoted to a position fitting between the legs of the U-shape.18. Closing element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and/orsecond element are embodied to pivot the third element part beyond theperipheral edge of the end surface of the beverage container in thefully opened position.
 19. Closing element as claimed in claim 1,wherein the third element part comprises a fixing part for fixingthereof to the beverage container in the fully opened position. 20.Closing element as claimed in claim 19, wherein the fixing elementcomprises a hook-like member provided on the closing part.
 21. Closingelement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closing element comprises afixing means for releasable fixing of the closing element to an uprightedge round the end surface of the beverage container, wherein the fixingcomprises at least one notch provided in the second element part, andwherein the second element part is adapted to be fixedly clamped withthe notch to the upright edge of the container in the opened situation,wherein the second element part preferably comprises a protuberance atthe position of the notch and wherein a notch is preferably provided inthe first element part for receiving therein the protuberance of thesecond element part in the closed position.
 22. Closing element asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the first, second and third element partsare coupled concertina-wise to each other.
 23. Closing element asclaimed in claim 1, comprising at least one set of sealing elementsprovided on different element parts in order to seal the container priorto use, wherein a sealing element comprises at least one of a notch inan element part and a protrusion from an element part and/or whereinsealing elements of different element parts are at least partially fusedtogether and/or wherein the sealing elements are mutually coupled via atear line.
 24. Closing element as claimed in claim 1, comprising astrengthening sleeve adapted to be placed over the free outer end of thethird element part in order to strengthen the gripping part thereof,wherein the strengthening sleeve preferably comprises a receiving spacefor receiving therein the free outer end of the third element part,wherein the strengthening sleeve is preferably manufactured frommaterial which is less elastic than the material of the third elementpart.
 25. Closing element as claimed in claim 24, comprising a fixingpart for fixing the strengthening sleeve to the outer end of the thirdelement part.
 26. Closing element as claimed in claim 1, comprising afirst element part adapted to be placed on the inner side of thecontainer against the edge of a drinking or pouring opening, wherein thefirst element part comprises a clamping part for clamping the gasketfixedly between the end wall of the container and the first elementpart.
 27. Closing element as claimed in claim 26, wherein the gasketcomprises a substantially round and substantially elastic ring and/orwherein there is formed on the gasket a closing flange embodied to beplaced on the outer side of the container against the edge of a drinkingor pouring opening.
 28. Closing element as claimed in claim 1, wherein afirst hinge part and a second hinge part are arranged between the firstand second element parts, wherein the hinge parts extend obliquelyrelative to the plane of the first element part and/or relative to eachother.
 29. Container with a closing element as claimed in claim 1,wherein the container preferably comprises a liquid-tight and/orgas-tight closable can packaging, in particular a beverage can or oilcan.
 30. Closing element for a container, particularly a beveragecontainer, wherein the container comprises an end surface provided witha drinking or pouring opening, the closing element comprising: a firstelement part which is adapted to be fixedly mounted on the end surfacealong said drinking or pouring opening and which has an openingsubstantially corresponding to the drinking or pouring opening in theend surface; a second element part arranged with a first hinge on thefirst element part; and a third element part arranged with a secondhinge on the second element part, the third element part comprising aflexible closing part and being pivotable between a closed position, inwhich the closing part is arranged in said opening in the first elementpart for substantially closing the same, and an opened position whichleaves the opening in the first element part substantially open, thethird element part further being configured to be grasped; wherein thefirst, second and third element parts are coupled concertina-wise toeach other and wherein the central part of the second element part hasan open space to receive at least partly the third element part when inthe closed position.